A Dynamic Capabilities Framework for Repositioning Home Economics Education Departments in Nigerian Universities for the 21st Century

This study develops a Dynamic Capabilities Framework for repositioning Home Economics Education departments in Nigerian universities to meet the intellectual, professional, and social demands of the 21st century. Home Economics departments across Nigeria face existential pressures including declining student enrolment, contested disciplinary identity, underfunding, and perceived curriculum obsolescence, all of which threaten their institutional survival and social relevance. The study employs a multi-site qualitative design combining 30 in-depth interviews with heads of department and university management, six focus group discussions with faculty and alumni, documentary analysis of strategic plans and accreditation reports across universities in all six geopolitical zones, and a Delphi panel with 25 Home Economics education experts. Data analysis integrates organisational learning theory with thematic qualitative synthesis and Delphi consensus analysis. The Dynamic Capabilities Theory of Teece and Pisano, the Organisational Ecology Model, and the Academic Capitalisms Framework collectively anchor the study. Original contributions include the first application of Dynamic Capabilities Theory to Home Economics department management in Nigeria, a validated Departmental Repositioning Scorecard, and a strategic renewal model specific to applied home sciences in African university contexts. Findings are expected to identify the specific sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring capabilities required for departmental revival and competitive positioning. Recommendations address university governing councils, the National Universities Commission, and departmental leadership. Keywords: dynamic capabilities, departmental repositioning, Home Economics Education, university management, Nigeria.